Healthcare Maine (ME) Rank #19 of 50

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Maine

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Maine is $49,710 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $49,710.

Median Salary
$49,710
vs National
+$0
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary Overview in Maine (2026)

Maine ranks #19 out of 50 states for substance abuse counselor compensation. Maine falls in the middle of the pack for substance abuse counselor pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $49,710 per year, substance abuse counselors in Maine earn $0 more than the national median of $49,710.

Maine's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning substance abuse counselor salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Maine is significant: substance abuse counselors at the 10th percentile earn $30,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $82,000 — a $52,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maine for this role is Portland, where the median reaches $54,681.

Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Maine and beyond.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Maine by Experience

In Maine, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $33,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,000 per year. The cost of living index in Maine is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,000
+$0 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $49,710? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Maine

Percentile ME Salary
10th Percentile $30,000
25th Percentile $38,000
Median (50th) $49,710
75th Percentile $65,000
90th Percentile $82,000

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary by City in Maine

The largest employment areas for substance abuse counselors in Maine include Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and South Portland. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Maine

Education

Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Maine has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Addiction CounselingCBT/MIGroup TherapyCrisis InterventionDocumentationEmpathy

Job Outlook in Maine

Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Maine's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 338,100 other Substance Abuse Counselors.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Substance Abuse Counselor Roles in Maine?

Get matched with recruiters hiring substance abuse counselors in Maine at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Maine

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Maine? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Maine is $49,710 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $30,000 (10th percentile) to $82,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Maine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,710, a substance abuse counselor in Maine earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maine a good state for substance abuse counselors? ▼
Maine ranks #19 out of 50 states for substance abuse counselor pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level substance abuse counselors earn $33,000, while senior professionals earn $78,000.
How does Maine compare to other states for substance abuse counselor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for substance abuse counselors is Hawaii at $88,484. Maine's median of $49,710 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Minnesota ($50,207) and Florida ($49,710).
What is the entry-level substance abuse counselor salary in Maine? ▼
An entry-level substance abuse counselor in Maine earns approximately $33,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $78,000.
What city in Maine pays substance abuse counselors the most? ▼
Portland is the highest paying city in Maine for substance abuse counselors, with a median salary of $54,681. Other cities include Lewiston and Bangor.